Val McDermid joins young people of Scotland for time capsule

Scottish Book Trust’s patron and award-winning author Val McDermid has joined young people of Scotland to contribute to a time capsule for Book Week Scotland.

Article Source: Scottish Book Trust
Last Updated: 30 October 2020 13:00

See You in 10 Years: Val McDermid joins young people of Scotland for time capsule

Scottish Book Trust’s patron and award-winning author Val McDermid has joined young people of Scotland to contribute to a time capsule for Book Week Scotland. The project, called ‘See You in 10 Years,’ is a partnership between the charity and the National Library of Scotland, who will store the time capsule for 10 years before it is opened in 2030.

Fitting with the theme of Future for Book Week Scotland, Val McDermid reflects the time of “fear and chaos” in 2020. The first piece of the author’s work will be published in the Future book, a free publication: 50,000 copies will be distributed to libraries, community groups and schools across the country. The second part of McDermid’s piece will be locked in the time capsule and revealed in 2030.

Six young writers will also be included in the time capsule, selected by a panel including Scottish Book Trust staff. They will have the opportunity to showcase their work to families and friends alongside Val McDermid during a private celebration. On Friday 20 October, a film documenting the creation of the time capsule will premiere on YouTube.

The young people included in the time capsule are: Skye, 16 from Glasgow; Keir, 17 from Falkirk; Emily, 17 from Falkirk; Reilly, 13 from Kinross; Robecca, 18 from North Ayrshire and Hannah, 17 from Sutherland.

Artist Ali Forbes from Glasgow was commissioned to create the time capsule. A jewellery design graduate of the Royal College of Art and Central Saint Martins, London, Ali first discovered jewellery making and design when she participated in an HND course at Cardonald College.

Book Week Scotland is the country’s biggest celebration of reading and writing and it returns for its ninth year from Monday 16 November to Sunday 22 November. Although there will be no physical events this year, the Digital Festival has a stellar line-up including award-winning author Denise Mina; actor and comedian Ruby Wax; bestselling crime writer Louise Welsh and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Val McDermid, author and patron of Scottish Book Trust said:
“Of course, digital media offers platforms where young writers can showcase their work. But digital media is fast-moving and often temporary. It's vital that we find more long-lasting ways to capture writing that addresses the future as well as the here and now, and See You In Ten Years does just that.”

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “2020 has been an uncertain year, and there’s no better way to document it than with a time capsule. We’re grateful to our patron Val McDermid for including a piece of work for See You in 10 Years, and to National Library of Scotland for safeguarding the capsule. We look forward to 2030, when the writing of the young people will be revealed.”

Martha Burns Findlay, Head of Public Programmes at National Library of Scotland said: “The National Library of Scotland is a repository of Scotland’s memories which we preserve for current and future generations. We are therefore delighted to host Scottish Book Trust’s time capsule for a 10-year period within our stores, safeguarding the capsule until it is re-opened and its contents revealed in 2030. We are equally delighted to be supporting new Scottish writing which will provide a unique glimpse into the world of 2020 through the eyes of young writers in 10 years’ time.”

Artist Ali Forbes said: “I applied to the See You in 10 Years project because the brief really captured my imagination: it immediately seemed like a very magical project to be part of. The subject matter really resonated as it feels like we are currently living in a very significant time historically: learning to live with a global pandemic which has no current end in sight. I am thrilled to be involved, not only because it is the first project I am undertaking in Scotland since moving back to Glasgow in July, but also because it gives me the chance to create a beautiful and intriguing object.”

The Book Week Scotland 2020 programme is available to view Here.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Renfrewshire News

Renfrew set to welcome top Scottish pipers and drummers

Renfrew's Robertson Park will host Scotland's top piping talent once again as the Renfrew Pipe Band Competition returns to the town on Saturday 19th July.

Dinosaur Day at Dobbies

Children attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!

Winter Connections programme boasts success for third year

Thousands of people across Renfrewshire have benefitted from Winter Connections running for a third year.

Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched

PubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.

Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace

This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with their Kids Go Free promotion.

Scone Palace International Horse Trials

The inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials will take place from 21st–24th August 2025 in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.

Major donation of Scottish artworks boosts Renfrewshire civic collection

A magnificent collection of artworks has been donated to Renfrewshire's civic collection by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, in memory of her late husband, John Shaw.

Renfrewshire launches Summer of Fun free activity programme

The new free summer activities programme for Renfrewshire children, young people and families is now available.

Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October

Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow on Sunday 5th October and they want everyone to 'Be Your Greatest'.

Thousands turn out to celebrate Sma Shot Day 2025

Thousands turned out to enjoy a day of fantastic live entertainment at Paisley's annual Sma' Shot Day celebrations on Saturday!

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.

Jason Manford to play Paisley Town Hall as part of tour

Comedian, actor, singer and presenter is latest big name to announce date at venue.

SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.

Set sail for Paisley and enjoy a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas!

Ahoy there mateys! The Pirates of Paisley is this year's must visit FREE summer brick adventure!

Paisley Town Hall bells mark Imagination Library becoming permanent

Much loved reading programme, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Renfrewshire, celebrated becoming permanent with bell chimes.

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

Crowds celebrate the summer at Barshaw Gala Day

Thousands turned out to celebrate summer at Barshaw Park on Saturday for Barshaw Gala Day.

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!

Grab your free reusable cup!

Fancy grabbing a free reusable takeaway cup and then getting a discount on your next drink from some of our local cafes?

Thorn Athletic and Inchinnan Development Trust to create brand new artificial pitches in Renfrewshire

Two major community sports projects in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a significant funding boost.

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

Refurbished play park is a big success with local pupils

Pupils from Auchenlodment Primary School in Johnstone gave their refurbished play park a big thumbs up after it underwent a major upgrade earlier this year.

Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.

Clan Wrestling returns to Braehead Arena with former WWE Champions

After their first event in March, Clash of the Clans, Clan Wrestling makes its return to Braehead Arena on Saturday 6th September for its second event!

Renfrewshire invited to honour Armed Forces community

The Armed Forces Day flag will be raised outside Renfrewshire House on Friday in a short service to mark Armed Forces Day.

Works set to be undertaken to restore historic Kilbarchan Steeple buildings

Councillors have agreed a £350,000 contract to carry out repairs to the historic Kilbarchan Steeple Buildings.

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!

Young people to choose their winners as Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund voting opens

Voting has opened for this year's Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund as young people get the chance to vote for the projects they think will make the most difference in their communities.